10 Changes And Inventions Missouri Contributed To The History Of The World
By Beth Price-Williams|Published July 18, 2022
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
We Missourians know that our beautiful state is special. However, did you ever stop to think of all the ways that Missouri contributed to world history? These 10 Missouri inventions are just a peek at some of the ways our state and our citizens have made the world a better place. This is, by no means, an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start.
1. Making pancakes from scratch became unnecessary after the invention of pancake mix, which occurred right here in St. Joseph in 1889. Known today as the Pearl Milling Company, the original company was called Aunt Jemima Milling Company.
2. While it’s not definitive, most people believe that the ice cream cone was invented right here in Missouri at the 1904 World’s Fair. Today, it’s a popular treat all over the world.
3. Did you know that William Lear, the inventor of the Learjet AND the eight-track player before that, was born in Missouri? The Learjet earned props as making the world’s first private airplanes.
4. If you’re watching a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TV, you owe that technology to Missouri-born inventor James Fergason. During his lifetime, he received more than 125 LCD-related patents.
5. Fire escape suspenders help save firefighters’ lives, keeping them upright while battling a fire and preventing their pants from falling down, even when heavy with water. Missourian George C. Hale is credited with the invention of the fire escape suspenders.
7. Did you know that the founder of osteopathic medicine – which focuses on the spine, the muscles, and the joints – did so in Kirksville in 1875? He was one of the first proponents of preventative medicine, too.
9. Next time you enjoy a cold glass of 7UP, raise your glass in a toast to Missourian Charles Grigg. He introduced his lemon-lime drink to the world in 1929.
10. Missourian Bob Chandler changed entertainment forever with his invention of monster trucks. He designed the first monster truck, known as Bigfoot, in 1975. Then, a decade later, he filmed a video of Bigfoot rolling over two cars, crushing them and signifying the start of a long and storied history of monster trucks.
What are some other Missouri inventions that changed the world? Let us know in the comments! Next time you’re yearning for an adventure, hit the state-wide Katy Trail in Missouri.
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